Sony's latest QD-OLED TV is significantly brighter than last year’s models

Sony announced pricing and availability today for its high-end 2023 QD-OLED television that the electronics giant says offers its “best color ever.” The Google TV-powered Bravia XR A95L will ship in 55-inch, 65-inch and 77-inch models, starting at $2,800.

The Sony Bravia XR A95L has a QD-OLED panel that takes the best of OLED screens (deep blacks, rich contrast) while adding the superior brightness and colors you’d expect from QLED TVs. Earlier this year, Engadget’s Sam Rutherford found that the new TV “definitely did a better job at preserving details in shadows” than the rival LG C2. “The A95L was particularly impressive thanks to its QD-OLED panel and Cognitive Processor, with Sony claiming brightness that’s now two times higher than last year’s model.” The company also says the new set provides up to 200 percent color brightness compared to typical OLED TVs.

The Cognitive Processor XR powers the set’s color range and hues, essentially acting as a brain that manages details like color, contrast, clarity, adaptive noise reduction and auto HDR tone mapping. In addition, the TV includes a Bravia Cam in the box: The sensor acts as a webcam for video calls (including Zoom support) while optimizing the television’s picture and sound based on your location in the room.

Sony

The A95L runs Google TV software but includes a few new extras this generation. That consists of a Game Menu for managing gaming picture and assistance settings. (It even lets you add a persistent crosshair for first-person shooters.) It also has exclusive PS5-friendly features: Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode to optimize the premium display for your favorite PlayStation games. The TV also includes a new Eco Dashboard to help you manage all its energy-saving settings in one place.

Sony’s new TV also has Acoustic Surface Audio+: actuators behind the TV that can “vibrate to produce audio from the entire screen,” helping make dialog clearer. The feature works with Sony Soundbars, as select models will sync with the television’s built-in vibrations to produce “fuller vocals” on the center audio channel. The company also synced its Soundbars to show their volume, sound field and other toggles directly in the TV’s Quick Settings menu.

The Sony Bravia XR A95L starts at $2,800 for the 55-inch model. The 65-inch variant will cost $3,500, while the 77-inch model will total $4,500. All three models will be available for pre-order from Sony authorized dealers starting on August 21st.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://ift.tt/XM2yTvS
via engadget.com

Get wanderlust-ready for less with discounted luggage deals

There's technically one more month of summer, which leaves plenty of time to pack your bags and head out on a little adventure. In case your luggage is so outdated that you'd rather not have anyone see it at baggage claim, here are top discounts on luggage (sets, carry-ons, duffels, and more) at Amazon. Treat yourself to a bag you'll be proud of as it makes its way down the carousel.

Our top picks this week:

---

Best luggage set deal

Rockland Fashion softside upright luggage set, Black/Pink Dot, 4-piece

$71.99 at Amazon (save $208.01)

---

Best carry-on deal

Rockland Melbourne hardside Eexpandable spinner wheel luggage, Turquoise, carry-on 20-inch

$47.59 at Amazon (save $92.41)

---

Best duffel bag deal

World Traveler Chevron 21-inch carry-on shoulder duffel bag

$25.37 at Amazon (save $24.62)

---

We're big fans of high-quality, affordable luggage over here and, in the past, have rounded up the best carry-ons, budget luggage, and even smart luggage for the bougie traveler in you. Amazon is known to have luggage sales quite frequently, and this week is no exception. Shop discounts on top brands below to prepare yourself for all the places you'll go this August.

Best luggage set deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Rockland

Rockland Fashion softside upright luggage set, Black/Pink Dot, 4-piece

$71.99 at Amazon (save $208.01)

Why we like it

This luggage set from Rockland not only comes in a funky design but will also allow you to pack quite a lot for your trip. It includes three expandable upright suitcases — with zippered pockets on the bags and top/side comfort grip handles — as well as one cutesy little tote bag. This tote boasts comfortable, adjustable shoulder straps and the suitcases can be wheeled effortlessly with the help of Rockland's in-line skate wheel system. Use these all for yourself (in case you're doing some serious moving) or distribute the set among your family. You'll be the most coordinated bunch at the airport.

Best carry-on deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Rockland

Rockland Melbourne hardside Eexpandable spinner wheel luggage, Turquoise, carry-on 20-inch

$47.59 at Amazon (save $92.41)

Why we like it

Another Rockland item, this carry-on spinner wheel suitcase has a hard shell that protects the contents inside without making the bag bulky or heavy. The wheels on the Rockland can rotate 360 degrees, and the body can expand an extra two inches to give you more space for those essentials you're bound to throw in at the last minute. Plus, the turquoise color of the suitcase is extremely eye-catching. No more mixing up bags at baggage claim — you'll likely be the only one with luggage this pretty.

Best duffel bag deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: World Traveler

World Traveler Chevron 21-inch carry-on shoulder duffel bag

$25.37 at Amazon (save $24.62)

Why we like it

The World Traveler Chevron carry-on shoulder duffel bag is great for those quick weekend trips everyone takes over the summer. It's equipped with two handles, a detachable shoulder strap, multiple exterior pockets, and a large top zipper opening that will help you reach whatever you need inside with ease. We can't guarantee as good of a discount on all of this bag's pattern colors, but the Navy White Chevron model is currently selling for its lowest price ever.

More luggage deals

• Wrangler smart luggage set with cup holder and USB port, Burnt Orange, 20-inch carry-on — $40.42 $64 (save $23.58)

• Kensie women's Alma hardside spinner luggage, expandable, Rose Gold, carry-on 20-inch — $43.62 $82 (save $38.38)

• Travelers Club Chicago hardside expandable spinner luggages, Navy Blue, 5-piece set — $130.73 $198 (save $67.27)

• Travel Select Amsterdam expandable rolling upright luggage, Navy, 8-piece set — $108.09 $207.50 (save $99.41)

• Amazon Basics carry-on garment bag for travel and business trips with shoulder strap — $22.95 $30.88 (save $7.93)

• American Tourister kids' Disney softside upright luggage, telescoping handles, Frozen Destiny, carry-on 18-inch — $30.56 $59.99 (save $29.43)

• Ben Sherman spinner travel upright luggage Hereford, Burgundy, 4-wheel —$61.19 $99.99 (save $38.80)

• DKNY Urban Sport backpack, Burgundy, one size — $78.54 $99.99 (save $21.45)

via IFmashable.com

FBI investigation reveals that it was unknowingly using NSO-backed spyware

A New York Times investigation uncovered earlier this year that the US government used spyware made by Israeli hacking firm NSO. Now, after an FBI investigation into who was using the tech, the department uncovered a confusing answer: itself, according to the New York Times on Monday. 

Since 2021, the Biden administration has taken steps toward parting ways with NSO, given the firm's reputation for shady tools like Pegasus that lets governments discreetly download personal information from hacked phones without the user's knowledge. But even after the president signed an executive order banning commercial spyware in March, an FBI contractor used NSO's geolocation product Landmark to track the locations of targets in Mexico. 

The FBI had inked a deal with telecommunications firm Riva Networks to track drug smugglers in Mexico, according to TheTimes. The spyware let US officials track mobile phones because of existing security gaps in the country's cellphone networks. While the FBI says it was misled by Riva Networks into using the tech, and has since terminated the contract, people with direct knowledge of the situation said the FBI used the spyware as recently this year. 

This isn't the FBI's first run in with NSO and its spyware tools. Prior to the executive order banning the products for government use, the agency considered using Pegasus to aid in its criminal investigations. Spyware generally gained a bad reputation for its use to surveil citizens and suppress political dissent, with NSO considered one of the largest in the business. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://ift.tt/DZwUJuo
via engadget.com

'Minecraft' mod exploit lets hackers control your device

You might want to run antivirus tools if you use certain Minecraft mods. The MMPA security community has learned that hackers are exploiting a "BleedingPipe" flaw in the Forge framework powering numerous mods, including some versions of Astral Sorcery, EnderCore and Gadomancy. If one of the game tweaks is running on Forge 1.7.10/1.12.2, intruders can remotely control both servers and gamers' devices. In one case, an attacker was using a new exploit variant to breach a Minecraft server and steal both Discord chatters' credentials as well as players' Steam session cookies.

As Bleeping Computerexplains, BleedingPipe relies on incorrect deserialization for a class in the Java code powering the mods. Users just have to send special network traffic to a server to take control. The first evidence of BleedingPipe attacks surfaced in March 2022 and were quickly patched by modders, but MMPA understands most servers running the mods haven't updated.

We've asked Mojang parent company Microsoft for comment. It's not responsible for Forge, so the tech giant can't necessarily stop or limit the damage. You won't be affected if you use stock Minecraft or stick to single-player sessions.

The full scope of the vulnerability isn't clear. While there are 46 mods known to fall prey to BleedingPipe as of this writing, there's the potential for considerably more. Users are asked to scan their systems (including their Minecraft folder) for malware. Server operators, meanwhile, are urged to either update mods or stop running them entirely. MMPA also has a PipeBlocker mod that protects everyone involved, although mod packs may cause problems if the mods haven't been updated.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://ift.tt/9uRy4YH
via engadget.com

This Adobe Creative Cloud course bundle is on sale for under £25

TL;DR: The 2023 All-in-One Adobe Creative Cloud Suite Certification Course Bundle is on sale for £23.33, saving you 83% on list price.

---

The Adobe Creative Cloud Suite is widely recognised as an essential set of tools for both professional and creative projects. However, new users might find it challenging to know how to get started, while seasoned Adobe users might be on the lookout for a new program to explore.

The 2023 All-in-One Adobe Creative Cloud Suite Certification Course Bundle is here to help. With ten courses available on sale for £23.33, you will learn how to utilise the eight programs included in the suite — no coupon required.

Get access to these courses and more:

• Lightroom CC — edit your photos and adjust lighting, colouring, and more

• After Effects 2022: The Beginner's Guide — create custom shapes and learn logo animation

• Animate Games & Characters Course — learn how to draw, animate, and create games from mobile phone size to large-screen TV

• Illustrator for Beginners — design logos and graphics using shapes, text, masking, effects, and exporting

• Photoshop Beginner to Advanced — learn ten must-have skills to master Photoshop including thumbnails, logos, and removing backgrounds

• XD UI UX Design Essentials — produce high-quality and functional mockups and design websites and mobile phone apps

• Premiere Rush — clip edit, add audio effects, arrange clips, and more

These courses include a comprehensive set of instructions that guide you through the fundamentals, as well as advanced features of these programs so you can become proficient in each one. Get educated in Adobe Creative Cloud with help from the instructors including Phil Ebiner, Nicholas Lever, Juan Galvan, and others.

Since you will have access to these courses for a lifetime, you can go through them at your own pace and even go back and retake each course again for a refresher.

Get the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite Certification Course Bundle while it's just £23.33.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Oak Academy

Adobe Creative Cloud Suite Certification Course Bundle

£23.33 at the Mashable Shop

via IFmashable.com

Kanye West's Twitter/X account has been unbanned again

X, formerly known as Twitter, has reinstated Kanye West after he was banned last December for tweeting an image of a swastika, The Wall Street Journal has reported. Elon Musk's platform only made the move after being assured that West would not post antisemitic or other harmful content. In addition, ads won't appear next to his posts and he won't be able to monetize the account. 

Kanye has had multiple run-ins with Twitter/X. In October, Elon Musk welcomed him back after he went two years without tweeting — but he stayed just a short time before being banned again for saying he would go "def con 3 on Jewish people." Shortly after that Ye entered a deal to acquire the "free speech" social media app Parler, but that fell through soon after. West has paid a price for past comments, with major brands including Adidas and Gap cutting ties.

Shortly after acquiring Twitter last fall, Musk — who calls himself a "free-speech absolutist" — vowed to rethink permanent bans based on the site's rules, unless laws were broken. Since then, he has restored the account of Donald Trump (who has not subsequently tweeted), along with other controversial personalities, including avowed neo-Nazis. Earlier this year Israel’s Foreign Ministry said that Musk was responsible for a rise of antisemitism on the site, adding that Twitter is now “filled with antisemitic conspiracies and hate speech targeting Jews all over the world."

The news comes after Musk changed Twitter's name and logo to X. He recently placed a strobing X sign on the roof of the company's San Francisco headquarters. X subsequently told the city's building inspectors that the sign was temporary for an event. Yesterday, Musk tweeted that X's HQ would remain in "beautiful" San Francisco despite the city being in a "death spiral." 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://ift.tt/GmyuXPe
via engadget.com

Apple says it's aware of a bug that may affect Screen Time restrictions for kids

Apple has promised to fix a bug in iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch devices that may affect Screen Time restrictions for kids, The Wall Street Journal has reported. It affects a function called Downtime that allows parents to remotely set hours when kids can't use their devices. 

"We are aware that some users may be experiencing an issue where Screen Time settings are unexpectedly reset," a spokesperson told the WSJ. "We take these reports very seriously and we have been, and will continue, making updates to improve the situation."

Parents checking the feature have found that scheduled times have either reverted to older settings or been removed altogether — allowing kids to use their devices at will. One user changed his passcode to be sure his kids hadn't guessed it, but found he needed to reset the feature "two or three times a week." Suffice to say, kids don't always report the issue in a timely fashion either. Around 2,300 people on an Apple discussion page on the subject said they experienced the same bug. 

Apple knew about the issue before, but reported it fixed with the release of iOS 16.5 in May. However, WSJ reporters found the issue in subsequent releases and even in the iOS 17 beta. 

Screen time was introduced in 2018 at Apple's developer's conference, allowing parents to remotely check their kid's Activity Report and manage their app use time. They can also set a custom amount of time per app that kids can't extend, or create a Downtime to block everything but selected software and phone calls for a set hourly range. Apple has yet to say when it will release a fix. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://ift.tt/81HpJSW
via engadget.com

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for July 31

New week, new day, new Wordle! As always, we're here with some tips and tricks to help you figure out the solution.

If you just want to be told the answer, you can jump to the end of this article for July 31's Wordle solution revealed. But if you want to solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the Wordle answer for July 30.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you like being strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Though usually Wordle will only accept one correct solution per day, occasionally it will rebel against the norm and deem two different answers acceptable. This is due to changes the New York Times made to Wordle after it acquired the puzzle game.

The Times has since added its own updated word list, so this should happen even less frequently than before. To avoid any confusion, it's a good idea to refresh your browser before getting stuck into a new puzzle.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

It could also be an answer in Taylordle.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

Not today!

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #772 is...

STYLE.

Don't feel disheartened if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

via IFmashable.com

Apple confirms Screen Time bug in Parental Controls

Apple has admitted to a Screen Time bug that has parents upset.

According to The Wall Street Journal, parents have been complaining on Apple forums and Facebook groups that Screen Time settings aren't "sticking," meaning kids have had unlimited access to devices. Screen Time settings appear to reset to default mode even when changes have been made.

SEE ALSO: Apple isn't letting Twitter rebrand as X in the App Store

Screen Time, a feature within Apple's cloud-based Family Sharing tool, allows parents to set up screen time limits and content and privacy restrictions across Apple devices. In those Screen Time settings, Downtime has been a useful tool that lets parents define how many hours each day their kids can use their device—either limiting their usage or making the device unusable. For busy parents, it's a helpful way to ensure kids don't spend too much time on devices and protect them from accessing inappropriate content. But it hasn't been working.

Previously, Apple said it fixed the bug with an iOS 16.6 update, citing an issue with syncing across devices. But the bug has persisted even with the iOS 17 beta. One parent told WSJ that it took him three tries to change his child's Downtime hours.

Apple issued a statement to the Journal, acknowledging the ongoing problem, saying "We take these reports very seriously and we have been, and will continue, making updates to improve the situation." For now, frustrated parents are left with third-party apps to monitor devices or changing the restriction settings on each individual device.

via IFmashable.com

iPhone 15 may see major design changes and a slight price increase this year

It's hard to believe, but the September iPhone event is only weeks away. With that, new rumors have brought expectations about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro into focus.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the standard iPhone 15 will replace the notch with the Dynamic Island, and the iPhone 15 Pro will have significantly thinner bezels. This, plus camera and material upgrades might also hike up the price.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone 15 might come in glorious pink color

iPhone 15

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will reportedly get the Dynamic Island that was released with the iPhone 14 Pro models last year. That means, all of the newest models will have replaced the dreaded notch with the interactive pill-shape cutout that was the headlining news at Apple's iPhone event last year. The iPhone 15 is also rumored to come with the same A16 chip that powers the iPhone 14 Pro

We've already heard strong rumors about this, but the iPhone 15 lineup will likely (finally) come with a USB-C port instead of Apple's proprietary lightning port. Thanks to EU regulations, this change is inevitable, but it was a matter of when. Gurman is confident that the iPhone 15 lineup will be the one built with a universal charging port.

Tweet may have been deleted

iPhone 15 Pro

Apple's quest to whittle down the bezels on its devices might make this year's iPhone 15 Pro look noticeably different. Gurman reported a new display technology called "low-injection pressure over-molding" (LIPO) that will pare the border down to 1.5 millimeters from the current 2.2 millimeters. It doesn't sound like a lot, but that adds up when we're talking about a handheld device.

Earlier rumors talked about solid-state haptic buttons instead of physically press-able buttons for the power and volume buttons. But now, Gurman says, those buttons will remain the same, and instead give the mute/ring switch an upgrade. This would be a customizable button like the one on the Apple Watch, where users can assign different functions like mute, Focus mode, or turning on the flashlight.

The iPhone 15 Pros are also rumored to replace the stainless-steel design with titanium design, and come with a speedy 3-nanometer chip.

With all these snazzy new features and materials, the iPhone 15 Pro might come with a price hike. The current iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max start at $999 and $1,099 respectively, so expect to shell out more than a grand for a lightweight, thin-bezel, USB-C compatible iPhone 15 Pro.

via IFmashable.com

The best headphones for 2023 (and why they've made our list)

Best deals on headphones this week

• Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones — $477.00 (List Price $549)
• Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones — $169.99 (List Price $349.95)
• Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $119.95 (List Price $199.95)
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones — $284.29 (List Price $379.95)
• Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless Adaptive ANC Headphones — $129.99 (List Price $149.99)

---

There are literally thousands of different headphones, earphones, and earbuds out there to choose from — all in varying shapes, sizes, styles, and colors. All have the same idea at heart — to provide you with audio without having to play it out loud for everyone to hear. But some achieve this result so much better — and in better style — than others.

While there are a few pairs of budget headphones that'll more than do the job, it's good to know when your headphone needs require an investment.

Headphones really are quite a personal purchase. Are you planning on listening at home or on the go? Is noise cancellation a requirement? How long do you really need your battery life to be? Maybe you're ready to go back to the wired headphone world.

To help you answer these questions and point you in the right direction, we've researched and tested tons of headphones to come up with this list of the best of the best.

via IFmashable.com

How to watch Formula 1 livestream online for free

SAVE 49%: Watch Formula 1 livestreams in 2023 from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time.

---

Formula 1 delivers fast cars, intense rivalries, and absolutely loads of drama. We love it.

We're sure you've got plenty of questions when it comes to the schedule and the best ways to watch. Do not fear, because we've got all the information you need.

When is the next F1 race?

The 2023 F1 season features 22 races held all over the world between March and November:

1. Bahrain GP — March 5

2. Saudi Arabian GP — March 19

3. Australian GP — April 2

4. Azerbaijan GP — April 30

5. Miami GP — May 7

6. Monaco GP — May 28

7. Spanish GP — June 4

8. Canadian GP — June 18

9. Austrian GP — July 2

10. British GP — July 9

11. Hungarian GP — July 23

12. Belgian GP — July 30

13. Dutch GP — Aug. 27

14. Italian GP — Sep. 3

15. Singapore GP — Sep. 17

16. Japanese GP — Sep. 24

17. Qatar GP — Oct. 8

18. United States GP — Oct. 22

19. Mexican GP — Oct. 29

20. Brazilian GP — Nov. 5

21. Las Vegas GP — Nov. 19

22. Abu Dhabi GP — Nov. 26

Keep these dates in mind, because we know you won't want to miss a minute of the action this year.

How to livestream the F1 for free

If you're subscribed to Sky, you can expect some industry-leading coverage from the biggest names in the F1 game. Sky Sports doesn't come cheap though, so plenty of fans will be looking for alternatives.

The good news is that Belgium’s RTBF and Austria’s ServusTV will show all of the races free to stream, with French and German commentary, respectively. You might enjoy that commentary, but if you really need something you can actually understand, you could always listen to BBC’s Radio 5 Live as you watch the stream. 

So how can you watch RTBF and ServusTV from outside Belgium and Austria? The process is actually really simple with a VPN:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly service like ExpressVPN

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Belgium or Austria

4. Connect to RTBF or ServusTV

5. Watch F1 races from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free)

£82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

The best VPNs for this task are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By using these offers, you can watch F1 livestreams without fully committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch races for free.

What is the best VPN for F1?

There are a number of streaming-friendly services out there, but ExpressVPN remains the best service for streaming sport:

• Servers in 94 countries including Austria and Belgium

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. By using the guarantee, you can watch F1 races for free. This is sneaky, but it works because ExpressVPN returns your investment without hassle.

Livestream the 2023 F1 season for free with ExpressVPN.

via IFmashable.com

How to unblock Chaturbate for free

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites like Pornhub, XVideos, and Chaturbate from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

---

Have you ever attempted to visit your favourite porn site, only to find out that your access is blocked by the network? This is a frustrating situation, but there is something you can do to bypass this type of online blockade.

By using a VPN, you can bypass online restrictions and blockades to access all your favourite sites from anywhere in the world.

How to unblock Chaturbate for free

VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to retain access to porn sites like Pornhub, xHamster, and Chaturbate. This process might sound complicated, but you can unblock Chaturbate in just a few clicks:

1. Sign up for a VPN

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Chaturbate

4. Connect to Chaturbate from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free)

£82.82 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

The bad news is that the best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free. The good news is that the best VPNs tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By using these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Chaturbate without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can temporarily unblock Chaturbate for free when travelling or when using an unsecured network.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is tough to beat when it comes to streaming. ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking porn sites for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

• Fast streaming speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use the money-back guarantee to unblock Chaturbate without committing with your cash.

Unblock Chaturbate for free with ExpressVPN.

via IFmashable.com

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for July 30

Ah, Sunday at last! Time to celebrate with a brand new, totally unsolved Wordle. As always, we're here with some tips and tricks to help you figure out the solution.

If you just want to be told the answer, you can jump to the end of this article for July 30's Wordle solution revealed. But if you want to solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the Wordle answer for July 29.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you like being strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Though usually Wordle will only accept one correct solution per day, occasionally it will rebel against the norm and deem two different answers acceptable. This is due to changes the New York Times made to Wordle after it acquired the puzzle game.

The Times has since added its own updated word list, so this should happen even less frequently than before. To avoid any confusion, it's a good idea to refresh your browser before getting stuck into a new puzzle.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

You'll need water.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

Not today!

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #771 is...

BATHE.

Don't feel disheartened if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

via IFmashable.com

'Quordle' today: Here are the answers and hints for July 30

If Quordle is a little too challenging today, you've come to the right place for hints. There aren't just hints here, but the whole Quordle solution. Scroll to the bottom of this page, and there it is. But are you sure you need all four answers? Maybe you just need a strategy guide. Either way, scroll down, and you'll get what you need.

What is Quordle?

Quordle is a five-letter word guessing game similar to Wordle, except each guess applies letters to four words at the same time. You get nine guesses instead of six to correctly guess all four words. It looks like playing four Wordle games at the same time, and that is essentially what it is. But it's not nearly as intimidating as it sounds.

Is Quordle harder than Wordle?

Yes, though not diabolically so.

Where did Quordle come from?

Amid the Wordle boom of late 2021 and early 2022, when everyone was learning to love free, in-browser, once-a-day word guessing games, creator Freddie Meyer says he took inspiration from one of the first big Wordle variations, Dordle — the one where you essentially play two Wordles at once. He took things up a notch, and released Quordle on January 30. Meyer's creation was covered in The Guardian six days later, and now, according to Meyer, it attracts millions of daily users. Today, Meyer earns modest revenue from Patreon, where dedicated Quordle fans can donate to keep their favorite puzzle game running. 

How is Quordle pronounced?

“Kwordle.” It should rhyme with “Wordle,” and definitely should not be pronounced exactly like "curdle.”

Is Quordle strategy different from Wordle?

Yes and no.

Your starting strategy should be the same as with Wordle. In fact, if you have a favorite Wordle opening word, there’s no reason to change that here. We suggest something rich in vowels, featuring common letters like C, R, and N. But you do you.

After your first guess, however, you’ll notice things getting out of control if you play Quordle exactly like Wordle.

What should I do in Quordle that I don’t do in Wordle?

Solving a Wordle puzzle can famously come down to a series of single letter-change variations. If you’ve narrowed it down to “-IGHT,” you could guess “MIGHT” “NIGHT” “LIGHT” and “SIGHT” and one of those will probably be the solution — though this is also a famous way to end up losing in Wordle, particularly if you play on “hard mode.” In Quordle, however, this sort of single-letter winnowing is a deadly trap, and it hints at the important strategic difference between Wordle and Quordle: In Quordle, you can't afford to waste guesses unless you're eliminating as many letters as possible at all times. 

Guessing a completely random word that you already know isn't the solution, just to eliminate three or four possible letters you haven’t tried yet, is thought of as a desperate, latch-ditch move in Wordle. In Quordle, however, it's a normal part of the player's strategic toolset.

Is there a way to get the answer faster?

In my experience Quordle can be a slow game, sometimes dragging out longer than it would take to play Wordle four times. But a sort of blunt-force guessing approach can speed things up. The following strategy also works with Wordle if you only want the solution, and don’t care about having the fewest possible guesses:

Try starting with a series of words that puts all the vowels (including Y) on the board, along with some other common letters. We've had good luck with the three words: “NOTES,” “ACRID,” and “LUMPY.” YouTuber DougMansLand suggests four words: “CANOE,” “SKIRT,” “PLUMB,” and “FUDGY.”

Most of the alphabet is now eliminated, and you’ll only have the ability to make one or two wrong guesses if you use this strategy. But in most cases you’ll have all the information you need to guess the remaining words without any wrong guesses.

If strategy isn't helping, and you're still stumped, here are some hints:

Are there any double or triple letters in today’s Quordle words?

No.

Are any rare letters being used in today’s Quordle like Q or Z?

No.

What do today’s Quordle words start with?

S, W, A, and D.

What are the answers for today’s Quordle?

Are you sure you want to know?

There’s still time to turn back.

OK, you asked for it. The answers are:

1. SHAWL

2. WRITE

3. ALONG

4. DEMON

via IFmashable.com

Elon Musk's X launches ad revenue sharing program for creators

Elon Musk's X — the social media site formerly known (and still kind of called) Twitter — officially launched its ad revenue sharing program for creators this week.

Certain people posting on the site can now, in theory, make money off of their posts. But don't get too excited just yet — most people aren't going to be raking in the cash. There are three main factors for becoming eligible, laid out by X. And they are:

• Be subscribed to Blue or Verified Organizations.

• Have at least 15M impressions on your cumulative posts within the last 3 months.

• Have at least 500 followers.

From there, the person or organization can set-up payouts through a Stripe account and the monetization section of the X app. The user should then get payouts at a regular pace, so long as they generate at least $50.

"We want the process to be as simple as possible, so all eligible X Blue and Verified Organizations subscribers are entitled to revenue share so long as they meet the eligibility criteria and join," the company wrote on its site.

SEE ALSO: Twitter starts paying…but only Elon Musk's favorite creators

Musk has long promised that creators would make money on the site. Back when the site was still called Twitter, it began paying out a select few users earlier this month. As Matt Binder wrote for Mashable at the time, the folks who did get paid out were largely right-wing influencers, gimmicky accounts, or other creators with whom Musk is buddies. Some of those folks posted screenshots claiming to make tens of thousands of dollars.

Now Musk's X is saying it will bring the ability to make posts to anyone willing to meet its requirements. My new X account, Elon Musk Is Cool And Not Lame And You're Just Jealous, will soon pay for my retirement.

via IFmashable.com